Abstract：It is very important to choose similar material which simulates rock mass correctly in geomechanics model test. The similar material research status is introduced；the principle of selecting and compounding also is analyzed. According to experience of similar material research，a new similar material，iron barites sand cementation material(IBSCM)，has been developed through hundreds of compounding test. This similar material is mixed with iron ore powder，barites powder，sand，rosin，alcohol and gypsum powder. Iron ore powder，barites powder and sand are main materials；the solution of rosin and alcohol is glue；gypsum powder is regulator. Mechanical tests specimens show that different rock masses can be simulated by this material with different ratio of components. The new similar material is bought easily and cheaply；and it has some advantages as follows：high density，stable performance，easy dryness，can be cut and built. This new similar material can simulate a lot of rock masses，so it is an ideal similar material.
